Throughout history, music and religion have never had a good relationship. Right from the Bronze Age to the modern 21st Century, no matter how much we develop there is always an orthodox side of us which will bar us to express our freedom. The latest victim being Jammu and Kashmir based girl band – Pragaash. Something that is being compared to the Indian version of Pussy Riot case in Russia; where the girl band was jailed for “not behaving” in a “civilised society”
Formed by three teenagers, Pragaash performed at a Srinagar stadium last December for the first time. Their performance came under harsh criticisms from conservative groups and the situation led to the girls getting death threats if they do not stop performing.
Recent developments include a Fatwa being issued against the girls by Kashmir’s top clergyman – Mufti Azam Mufti Bashiruddin, who was quoted saying –
“I issued the fatwa where I said to the girls that music is not good for society; all bad things happening in the Indian society are because of music”.
He went on to say –
“The parents of the girls should try to correct erring teenage girls and teach them Islamic values instead of exhibiting them as source of entertainment for thousands of people. I will be forced to issue another fatwa if these girls and their parents do not take corrective measures to mend their ways.” (Source)
Amid all the controversy and hatred, a lot of support has been pouring in for the girls from social networking sites as well as eminent persons.Mr.Omar Abdullah, Honourable Chief Minister of J&K has expressed his support to the band publicly on Twitter. Needless to say his comments were not taken very well by the conservative groups. Renowned music director and musician – Vishal Dadlani has expressed his eagerness to sign them up for a record deal on Twitter a few hours ago. As a musician I support Pragaash and wish them the best for the future. At the end of the day, religion divides us, but music unites us.
